Clinical Spectrum of Congestive Heart Failure in the Elderly Population.

One hundred and fifty-two patients with congestive heart failure above 65 years of age were treated at The Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh in the calendar year 1992, forming 38% of the total number of inpatients with this condition for that year. Hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and valvular diseases were the common etiological factors. Evidence for diastolic dysfunction was seen in 34% of patients by echocardiographic Doppler study.